From Texas to Beyond

Local, Near and Far: Our journey of exploring the world.

Author: David (Page 2 of 11)

Ljubljana Castle - A Dragon Guards the Entrance to Ljubljana Castle
Dragon Guarding the Entrance to Ljubljana Castle

View of the City from Ljubljana Castle

December 3, 2015 / / 0 Comments

In the center of Ljubljana, on a hill which serves as its pedestal, stands Ljubljana Castle. This symbol of the city can be seen from almost everywhere in the Old and New Towns.

Ljubljana Castle - Unobstructed View of Ljubljana Castle from the Skyscraper

Unobstructed View of Ljubljana Castle from the Skyscraper

In many ways across the city, Ljubljana’s touristic appeal is growing. The funicular to Ljubljana Castle is a perfect example of this progress. Built in 2006, the funicular climbs Castle Hill within 60 seconds, saving you a steep climb on one of two paths to the top. While I normally opt for the adventure-filled route, Rebekah and I chose the funicular to save some energy for seeing the sights in the castle complex (Rebekah was 6 months pregnant after all). This is a perfect example of how modern improvements are opening up the complex to more visitors, from elderly tourists to locals dressed for fine dining at the castle’s restaurants.

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Plečnik Bridges of Ljubljana - Plečnik's Triple Bridge and the Banks of the Ljubljanica River
Plečnik's Triple Bridge and the Banks of the Ljubljanica River

Plečnik’s Bridges of Ljubljana

November 24, 2015 / / 0 Comments

When visiting Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, it is likely you will encounter two national heroes: Plečnik and Prešeren. Jože Plečnik the architect, and France Prešeren the poet.

Today, we take a closer look at the architect, Jože Plečnik. While Plečnik is a household name in Slovenia, I feel like little is known of him in the United States, even among fellow architects.

Travel often unlocks new experiences that we did not even realize existed before traveling. In Prague, Rebekah and I fell in love with delightful Art Nouveau painter, Alfons Mucha when we experienced his Slav Epic masterpieces first-hand. We had a very similar experience in Ljubljana. The architectural influence of Jože Plečnik is a treat waiting to be unwrapped.

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Ljubljana City Overview - Franciscan Church of the Annunciation on Prešeren Square
Franciscan Church of the Annunciation on Prešeren Square

Ljubljana City Overview: 2 Days in the Old Town

November 19, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Unless you were a straight A student in world geography, you may have never heard of Ljubljana (the “j”s make a “y” sound). While this may be your first time to hear about Ljubljana, it won’t be your last. The capital city of compact Slovenia is on the rise, and will be a top European destination in a few years.

Ljubljana is remarkably easy to include in your European vacation schedule. Slovenia sits at the crossroads of 3 great cultures: Germanic, Italian and Slavic. These three cultures continue to shape the region, especially its cuisine. If you are traveling to Italy (Venice in particular), Vienna or Budapest, Ljubljana is only a short train ride and even shorter plane ride away.

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Prishtina, Kosovo - Skenderbeu Square in Downtown Prishtina
Skenderbeu Square in Downtown Prishtina

Why You Should Visit Kosovo: Prishtina

November 9, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Guest Blogger and my good friend John Seale bring us a four part series on his recent journeys, beginning with a brief layover in Vienna and continuing today in Prishtina, Kosovo. John is one of my frequent travel partners, from across Texas to the other side of the world (2 trips to Kenya). From Texas to Beyond is excited to bring you his unique perspectives on travel, along with some fascinating locations in Kosovo and Albania.

Europe is a small continent where numerous ethnic groups are smashed together in close proximity. The Balkans are the same way, but on an even smaller scale. The sheer number of countries that Yugoslavia broke into (7) tells you how diverse the region is. My wife and I had the opportunity to visit Kosovo and Albania in 2015, as my sister has lived there for a number of years. Kosovo is ethnically and linguistically Albanian, but for several years it was yoked with Serbia, with whom they share almost nothing except mutual dislike. Since their independence, Kosovo is now a nearly unknown destination for tourists.

Prishtina, Kosovo - The Newborn Statue, a Make-Your-Own-Art Kind of Thing

The Newborn Statue, a Make-Your-Own-Art Kind of Thing

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Palmetto State Park - Palmettos

Hiking at Palmetto State Park

October 29, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Central Texas is filled with countless little-known gems. Palmetto State Park is one of these places.

On a recent trip to Rebekah’s parent’s house, the excellent weather called us outside, as it often does. Instead of spending time at our go-to outdoor venue, the family pecan farm, we ventured out. Her parents had recently visited Palmetto State Park, the setting for a church picnic. Even living only a few miles away, this had been their first visit to this little-known park.

When they recommended we hike at Palmetto for the afternoon, I was excited to visit a new state park, grabbing my camera on the way out the door.

Palmetto State Park - View of the San Marcos River

View of the San Marcos River

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